Oakland Raider Jared Veldheer Says 'Preach Character at Home' to Help Prevent Bullying

Bullying, which has become a pervasive and sometimes deadly issue for students, was the focus of last night's fundraiser hosted by the Dublin Integrity in Action at Vito's Express in Dublin.  

Jared Veldheer, of the Oakland Raiders, appeared at the event and spoke about his experiences with bullying during his childhood. Veldheer, an offensive linesman, who stands at 6 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs over 320 pounds, says that anytime someone is different, they are going to picked on.

Veldheer recalled his high school experiences with bullying by saying, "It wasn't all easy. A lot of kids making fun of you high school I remember getting called fat when I was at my skinniest, which doesn't make sense. One of the biggest things that helped was having parents at home that told me they loved me and that those kids saying that are saying that because they are insecure with themselves. They just kept saying that over and over again, the message never changed."

Veldheer pointed out that bullying can be a 24-hour-a-day issue due to the use of social media. One of the ways to kinda tone that down and prevent that [bullying] preaching character. 

At the beginning of the fundraiser, Superintendent Steven Hanke spoke about the purpose of the school district and its responsibility to the students.

Hanke told the crowd, "Our mission is to ensure that every, single student that comes through our doors is college and career ready. Every one. What does that mean? We think that means our students need to be critical thinkers, creative, communicators and they need to be able to work on a team."

Ann Brownell spoke about the loss of her daughter, Amanda Brownell, who tried to commit suicide in 2008 after being the victim of bullying. Amanda was discovered, revived and survived with major brain damage leaving her in a full-time care facility. Amanda Brownell died last month on April 16. Her mother is on a mission to raise awareness of the deadly consequences of bullying. Brownell gave everyone in attendance the following pledge against bullying:

"I pledge not to allow bullying in my presence. If I don't report it, I am just as guilty."

According to Colleen Pearson, the school with the most student support at the fundraiser for the evening will receive a scholarship to fund an anti-bullying campaign.

The crowd enjoyed perfomances by cheerleaders and a flash mob performance from students at Dougherty Elementary.

Vito’s donated twenty percent of the proceeds from the event to help fund the anti-bullying programs.
Talk to us about the issues your or your student have dealt with relating to bullying. Have you had to talk to your child about being bullied? How can it be addressed in the Dublin Unified School District? Tell us in the comments section below.